Ocean acidification is the inevitable result of a decrease in pH levels caused by increased saturation of carbon dioxide. We use the pH logarithmic scale to specify the acidity or basicity of aqueous solutions where the solvent is water. If this acidification continues, the fish may eventually die and commercial fishing will end.
How Human Activity is the Root Cause of Ocean Acidification
Scientists believe 30% to 40% of carbon dioxide from human activity dissolves in the rivers, lakes, and oceans. Then nature responds by releasing carbonic acid to restore chemical equilibrium. Some of this disassociates into bicarbonate and hydrogen (H+) ions. In this way, the latter (H+) increase ocean acidity.
We really are ‘playing with the devil’ if we let this continue. Because the 2013 IGBP Ocean Acidification Summary for Policy Makers has already told world leaders what will happen across the next century. The calcification rate of corals, shellfish, certain algae, and free-swimming sea snails will decrease. Moreover, the metabolic rates of giant squid will reduce too.
A Catastrophic Effect on the Marine Food Web?
Calls of giant whales may no longer travel as far, because we have altered the acoustic properties of the ocean. These are just a few examples. The list of risks is far too long to complete here. Ocean acidification could combine with global warming to cause a catastrophic effect on the marine food web.
When baby boomers were at school, teachers told them there was enough food in the oceans to sustain humanity. However, this is increasingly no longer true. We do not have the luxury of time to indulge in political spats. Therefore, we must either reduce our carbon emissions to 50% of 1990 levels, or watch island populations starve and fish vanish from our supermarkets too,
The InterAcadamy Panel does not support iron fertilization of the oceans to re-enrich marine habitats. Because they say it is unlikely to be cost-effective, and the long-term effects are uncertain. The band plays on as they say, while the nations squabble like truculent children.
Related
Climate Change Evidence: Warming Oceans
Climate Change Evidence: Global Temperature Rise
Preview Image: Seawater pH Change
